Together, from afar: an 91制片厂 graduation ceremony unlike any other
In a year unlike any other, 91制片厂 student Kenzie Gorjanc found herself adapting to new ways of learning to complete her education.
On Jan. 23, she will join more than 2,000 91制片厂 students who will don virtual caps and gowns as they are recognized during the College鈥檚 first-ever online convocation ceremony.
Graduates, along with their family, friends and supporters in the community are invited to tune in and watch the pre-recorded virtual ceremony starting at 10:30 a.m. next Saturday. To view the ceremony and learn more, visit .
The ceremony will see credentials conferred on students across all programs including Arts, Science, Business, Technologies, Trades and Health and Social Development.
Viewers can also visit the webpage in advance to leave messages of congratulations via a digital guest book, pre-order flowers for a graduate with a special discount code or to purchase a commemorative gift.
When the pandemic hit last year, the College was forced to take many of its programs wholly online and postpone its in-person convocation ceremonies.
The transition to online learning didn鈥檛 get in the way of Gorjanc鈥檚 academic success. The Psychology student completed the College鈥檚 two-year Associate of Arts Degree in June 2020 with a 93.67 per cent grade average 鈥 the highest grade average of any student in the degree program. For her accomplishments, Gorjanc is being awarded the College鈥檚 Associate of Arts Degree Academic Medal and graduated with distinction.
鈥淚f I could say anything to my peers and professors at the College, it would be a proper goodbye,鈥 she says. 鈥91制片厂 was a place where I developed many important relationships and felt a very strong social connection to both my peers and professors. It鈥檚 unfortunate that I couldn鈥檛 thank them and say goodbye face-to-face.鈥
Gorjanc will complete her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna. She plans to focus her honours thesis in the clinical psychology field and wants to pursue graduate studies in psychiatry or clinical counselling. Her dream is to open a private practice in Kelowna providing clinical counselling to youth and young adults.
Students will hear from 91制片厂 President Jim Hamilton in his last graduation address before retirement.
鈥淗aving presided over more than 60 convocation ceremonies during my time at 91制片厂, I鈥檝e been thinking about this one, my final ceremony as President, for a long time. I never imagined it wouldn鈥檛 happen face-to-face,鈥 says Hamilton. 鈥淚 have witnessed so many times how human beings, when faced with challenges in their private lives, in their communities or on a global scale, will rise to the occasion and apply their energy, skills and intelligence to turn adversity into opportunity. Our students successfully navigated an astonishing amount of change. This resiliency and fortitude will serve them well in the years to come. On behalf of the 91制片厂 community, I am honoured to congratulate each of you on your graduation.鈥
Tags: Convocation, Arts University Studies, 2021 Year in review